by admin | Apr 9, 2015 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am not certain exactly how I started reviewing Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles but I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to do so. Each volume has gotten progressively better – or maybe it’s just because I have become so familiar with the characters and setting of these books that it seems that way. Dawn writes the kind of books that I truly enjoy. Each one has grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the end. My only regret is that at this time, I am unable to get print copies for my keeper shelf.
As “The Captive Imposter” begins, Estella Everstone has been compelled by her family to go undercover as companion to an elderly lady. Estella despises the deception and misses some of the luxuries of her “real” life, especially her clothing. As she settles into a routine at the luxury resort Everston, Estella becomes acquainted with its handsome manager Dexter Blakele. As their friendship develops, Estella finds a new freedom to be herself that she has never experienced before.
With a well-paced plot and true-to-life characters, “The Captive Imposter” was difficult to put down. It was a perfect blend of drama, mystery, and romance spiced with just the right touch of twists and surprises. A strong Christian message was a natural and integral part of the story without being in-your-face. I liked the glimpse of a possibly more mature and reformed Vance near the end that makes me wish for another novel featuring him as a main character.
I have never had the slightest desire to even visit Maine but Dawn’s description of the series setting could make me reconsider.
I enjoyed “The Captive Imposter” as well as the rest of The Everstone Chronicles. Do yourself a favor and give this excellent new author a try.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sent away for protection, hotel heiress Estella Everstone finds herself living undercover as a lady’s companion named Elle Stoneburner at one of her father’s opulent hotels in the mountains of Maine—the one she’d always loved best and always hoped to own one day, Everston. The one thing she doesn’t like about the situation is that her ex-fiancé is in the area and is set on marrying someone else. Reeling from her feelings of being unwanted and unworthy, Estella reluctantly forms a friendship with the gruff manager of Everston, Dexter Blakeley, who seems to have something against wealthy young socialites with too much money, although they are just the kind of people Everston caters to.
When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer she can’t refuse. She sees no other choice aside from going back home to her family and accepts the position as companion to his sister. Throughout her interactions with Dexter, she can’t deny the pull that’s evidenced between them every time he comes near. Estella realizes that while she’s been hiding behind a false name and identity, she’s never been freer to be herself than when she’s with Dexter Blakeley. But will he still love her when he finds out she’s Estella Everstone? She’s not entirely sure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading and reviewing Dawn Crandall’s “The Hesitant Heiress”, I knew I would have to read the rest of The Everstone Chronicles series. I am fortunate that Dawn has entrusted me with the opportunity to do so by sending me digital copies to review. I have always loved historical fiction and Dawn’s novels have proved to meet my qualifications for must read books. Although I loved “The Hesitant Heiress”, “The Bound Heart” may be even better. If this is any indication, I can’t wait for “The Captive Imposter”. I already know it will be wonderful.
It will be difficult to review “The Bound Heart” without any spoilers but I will certainly try. This novel features Meredyth Summercourt, a young woman whose one indiscretion with a man she found attractive led to severe guilt and the idea that she was “ruined”. She felt bound to Vance Everstone and was convinced that the only way she could atone for her sin was to marry him. Meredyth’s situation reminded me of some teaching I heard years ago about “soul ties” and how physical intimacy creates them between two individuals – a tie meant to take place within marriage but a reality even outside its boundaries. It helped me to understand how strongly Meredyth felt that her only redemption was marriage to Vance regardless of his poor character and even despite the love she had discovered for her longtime friend Lawry.
Now Lawry – well Lawry is one of the best heroes I have encountered in awhile. Perhaps he is handsome and comes from a prominent and wealthy family but Lawry’s character just shines throughout the book. Lawry is a man whose ambition is to care for orphans plus any other needy people who may cross his path. His love for Meredyth has increased through the years and all he wants is to spend his life with her. His compassion and restraint are admirable and his love of the Lord is evident in nearly everything he does. Meredyth cannot help loving him but is certain that she does not deserve someone as good as Lawry.
I could go on but I am getting close to possible spoilers. “The Bound Heart” is an emotional roller coaster that illustrates the devastating effect that one mistake can have on a person’s entire life. It is also a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption that leaves the reader with hope for themselves. I highly recommend “The Bound Heart” but suggest reading “The Hesitant Heiress” first.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt’s world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn’t have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.
When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption… and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of
The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing
The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
by admin | Sep 6, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I will be totally honest and admit that I did not remember entering to win a copy of “The Hesitant Heiress” when the author notified me that I had won a digital copy. I had seen brief mention of the book on Facebook a few times but had no other knowledge of it. I found I had some open space on my review calendar due to the late arrival of a book so I decided to go ahead and read it. As far as I know, this is Dawn’s first novel so I had no preconceived expectations.
Well, it looks like I have yet another new author to add to my “To Read” list. The well-paced plot with beautiful prose and captivating characters drew me in immediately. Although not exactly brooding, the overall tone of the story reminded me just a bit of the old Gothic novels by Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart that I so loved when I was younger. It is a historical romance with just the right touch of mystery and unanswered questions to hold my interest. I really liked the fact that Amaryllis and Nathan actually conversed – a lot. And sometimes they even talked about their faith. It was not just instant attraction but a relationship that grew as they got to know each other better, even though Amaryllis was so determined that she could not trust Nathan. There were times that I became a little frustrated with Amaryllis because nearly every time Nathan attempted to explain his feelings for her, she managed to change the subject.
During the first half of the book or so, the author seemed to concentrate on developing the back story for both Nathan and Amaryllis while their tempestuous relationship ebbed and flowed. Then as the story progressed toward its climatic end, the drama built, secrets were revealed, and there was even some action and danger. As all good stories do, this one ended well, leaving me anxious for the next installment of The Everstone Chronicles. I am thankful that I am on the list of influencers who will receive an advance copy to review.
So, if you are looking for a new author who writes really good historical romance, be sure to check out “The Hesitant Heiress”. I’m glad I did!
I won a digital copy of this book during its book launch contest.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.
Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, whose father not only had a part in her expulsion, but whose ominous presence has haunted her dreams for a decade since her mother’s tragic death. Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been “managing her life isn’t who she thought at all.
ENDORSEMENTS:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).
A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he let her quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take encouraged long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a premarriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.
The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the serieswere semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.
by admin | Oct 5, 2013 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I became a Jen Turano fan after reading her first book. I just finished the third book in her Ladies of Distinction series and they just keep getting better. In each of the novels set during the gilded age, the primary female character is what many would describe as somewhat eccentric. However you might describe them, they do not exhibit the usual behavior for proper ladies of that era, yet they are all women of excellent character. I have loved and laughed at the antics of each heroine and Felicia can hold her own with both Eliza and Arabella from the previous two novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed Felicia and her penchant for getting into trouble even when she was trying to do the right thing. It was encouraging to watch her discover how to really be herself. And Grayson – what a perfectly imperfect hero he was. Weighted down with guilt from his past he tried so hard not to fall for Felicia but was such a caring person he could not stop himself from trying to protect Felicia and eventually loving her. I was glad to see him learn to rely on God and accept His forgiveness. The dialogue between Felicia and Grayson as well as other characters was so entertaining. I found myself trying to stifle my laughter as I read while my husband slept.
I also enjoyed catching up with Eliza, Hamilton, and Piper from “Change of Fortune” and Arabella and Theodore from “A Most Peculiar Circumstance”. I do hope that there will be at least one more book in this series because I would love to see how Agatha’s story ends.
“A Talent For Trouble” is a great book and can easily stand alone – but if you have not read the previous two books of the series, you would miss so much fun if you pass them up.
This book was provided for review by the author and her publisher
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For years, Miss Felicia Murdock’s every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister’s wife. When the minister she’d set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change–and soon–before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she’s not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who’s to say nay?
Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.
Just as Grayson decides he’s had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia’s life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?
Read an excerpt from A Talent For Trouble HERE.
Read what the author has to say about A Talent For Trouble HERE.
What others are saying about Jen Turano’s books:
This madcap battle of the sexes is the sequel to Turano’s hilarious A Change of Fortune, and it is perfect for any readerwho enjoys stories bubbling with humor.”
—Booklist on A Most Peculiar Circumstance (starred review)A Top 10 Pick for Romance!
~~~~~~
A Talent for Troubleis a laugh-out-loud historical romance with feisty, fun-loving characters who want to live the way they want to—not the way society demands.”
—RT Book Reviews (four stars)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and A Talent for Trouble, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
by admin | Sep 17, 2013 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It is probably a good thing that one does not have to actually like the primary character to enjoy a book. I had a difficult time with many of Sarah’s choices and her motives. I could understand her desire to improve her lot in life but deception is never the way to achieve that. Reading about Sarah’s ever growing web of lies was like waiting for the inevitable crash of everything she had built on those lies.
On the other hand, I did like Simon. I have to hand it to him – he was much more forgiving and long-suffering toward Sarah than most men would have been. In some ways he was being Jesus to her by loving her despite her evident sins and trying to help her see herself the way she was meant to be.
I enjoyed revisiting characters from the first two novels in the Avenue of Dreams series. I was quite happy to watch Sarah’s repentance once she was found out and the way she finally made some right choices in her life.
I have enjoyed the entire Avenue of Dreams series and would love to see it continue. Nevertheless, I will look forward to Olivia Newport’s next novel, whatever she decides to offer her readers.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a world where everyone is putting on a show, there is a love that is genuine.
Sarah Cummings has one goal in life–to break into Chicago’s high society. Desperate to stop serving dinner to members of the wealthy Banning family and to start eating at society tables, Sarah spends her meager free time altering cast-off gowns to create the perfect wardrobe for her future life.
When opportunity knocks at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to her goal–and closer to Simon Tewell, director of St. Andrew’s Orphanage–Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of.
Can she piece together the perfect life from scraps? Or will it all come unraveled in the face of true love?
“Newport’s touching historical romance sweeps readers into another time and place, where elegance and wealth are abundant and where dreams really can come true. Highly recommended for fans of Tamera Alexander.”–Library Journal
Praise for the Avenue of Dreams series:
“Chicago’s history comes alive on each page.”–Andrea Boeshaar, author of Seasons of Redemption series
“With attention to historical detail and an artful sense of place, Olivia Newport gives readers a fascinating glimpse into . . . the roles of women in the world.”–USA Today, Happily Ever After blog
“Newport’s characters are by turn charming, conniving, or trying to be true to themselves in spite of what society expects of them.”–RT Book Reviews
For more information visit HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport is the author of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning and The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow. Her husband and two twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Find out more at www.OliviaNewport.com.
For Olivia Newport’s website, Facebook or Twitter visit:
http://www.olivianewport.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport
https://twitter.com/
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by admin | Jan 26, 2013 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The second installment of Olivia Newport’s Avenue of Dreams series, “The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow” offers the reader an inside look at the lives of servants during the late 1800’s in Chicago. This novel features Charlotte, a maid in the Banning household who readers first met in “The Pursuit of Lucy Banning”. Believing her friend Lucy has made arrangements for her young son that will allow her to retain her position in the Banning home, Charlotte is blindsided when the baby’s caretaker delivers him to her just before the family is to arrive home from their summer at the lake. Knowing she will be terminated if the Bannings learn of her baby, Charlotte must pretend that he is a foundling and conceal her true relationship to the child.
As Charlotte wrestles with decisions about what is best for baby Henry, whether she should tell the Bannings the truth, and her angst at watching an incompetent and disinterested young servant take charge of him, she feels as if her problems are hopeless. Archie, the head coachman, loves Charlotte and tries to support her as much as he can without knowing the secrets she is hiding. Little does he know how those secrets could affect his own life.
“The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow” is a well-written story with abundant historical details about life among the rich during that era and interesting features of the Chicago World’s Fair, including a description of the first Ferris Wheel that intrigued me enough to investigate it further on the internet. I had no idea how much Ferris wheels have changed since their original design. With plenty of drama, a sweet romance with a hero to admire, and a strong theme about the importance of depending on the Lord, this book is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the second book of the Avenue of Dreams series, Olivia Newport explores the complicated relationship between social classes while creating a story of courage, strength, and tender romance.Set against the glittering backdrop of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition,this compelling story captures the tension between the wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable.
Charlotte Farrow, a maid in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago’s opulent Prairie Avenue, has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year. But when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child’s fate. Can she face the truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life’s tragedies determine the future for her?
Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport is the author of?The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Her novels twist through time to discover where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two adult children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.
Endorsements for Olivia Newport and The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow:
“In the character of Charlotte Farrow, Olivia Newport gives voice to the countless thousands of women in domestic service who were seen but rarely heard. Set with exacting detail in Chicago during the World’s Columbian Exposition, Charlotte’s tale of courage and struggle will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.”–William Tyre, executive director and curator, Glessner House Museum
“Newport’s latest novel, The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow, provides an enthralling examination of the complex class and gender barriers in nineteenth-century Chicago. Second in the Avenue of Dreams series, this book will find swarms of devoted fans rooting for Charlotte Farrow, a mother forced to make excruciating choices in a world where women have limited options. The storyline is not only unique but also framed by a delicately designed backdrop of both luxury and longing. With timeless themes, Newport gives voice to women across the ages who have found themselves fighting for what matters most, and in the end, readers will join the battle cry.”–Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Into the Free
